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Bulimia cured?

By Dr. Davis | November 8, 2011

An anonymous commenter left this very interesting description of her experience on the Wheat Belly Blog. While it’s hard to know whether this is truly “bulimia” or yet another unique experience generated by wheat consumption, it is nonetheless an interesting tale of freedom from the ill-effects of this corrupt grain.

She writes:I am wondering if you have heard of any research connecting eating disorders to wheat/gluten sensitivity?

I have had suffered in secret with what I thought was bulimia for 30 years. I can’t even believe it, but since giving up gluten I no longer have the urge to throw up. I used to feel sick after nearly every meal. I seriously thought I would eventually die from an injury to my esophagus.

I have not felt sick even once since giving up gluten. Not once. I feel free for the first time in memory.

I am astounded by how different my body feels, and I never even knew how bad I felt because it was all I ever had felt…it was my “normal.” I had to share this with someone and because my “eating disorder” has been completely in secret, I can’t tell anyone I know.

(I should mention that about 10 years ago I was tested for celiac disease because I have extended family members with confirmed diagnoses, but all my tests were negative.) I don’t care what their tests say— I will never eat wheat again.

My family laughs when I say this because I have never stuck to a diet in my entire life, but this is different. I feel in control of my body for the first time. I am near tears writing this. I can’t believe my struggle is over and I won:)

If indeed bulimia, it means that she experienced gastrointestinal as well as nervous system effects that create the condition: not just the nausea but also the desire to vomit after eating, the distortion of body image, the disruption of self-esteem, etc. We know that wheat plays a role in one eating disorder, binge eating disorder, indirectly observed via studies of opiate-blocking agents like naloxone and naltrexone that reduce impulsive eating and calorie intake substantially. You can witness lesser forms of binge eating in many, many wheat-consuming people manifested as intense food cravings, grazing, and overeating.

How many people are out there, struggling with one or another form of eating disorder, when it might be nothing more than yet another poisonous effect of wheat consumption?

Comments & Feedback...

I wouldn’t be surprised if it would help with all kinds of mental disorders… I quit wheat two months ago, and within a week, my anxiety/depression symptoms went away. I was dumbfounded… but sure enough I’ve tried some wheat (a piece of cake at a birthday party, a couple of pieces of halloween candy) on a few separate occasions and the symptoms come back for a couple days. Kinda makes me wonder how many people are on anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds when really it’s wheat bothering them. Food can affect us in strange ways…

Dr. Davis, is it possible for extremely high blood sugar and its accompanying insulin reaction to bring on nausea? I’m not in the medical profession but I’m fascinated by this description. I used to feel slightly ill during meals. This was often, before I knew anything about carbs or gluten.

I remember thinking, 10 years ago now when I gave up wheat, that this is what *normal* people must feel like all the time, but given the health of everyone around me, I now believe that most people live with this all of their lives and never know that what they are feeling is bad. They have never had good to compare it to. How many people’s lives have been ruined by this poison.

You’ve described exactly what I felt all my life, from childhood. I assumed everyone was suffering just as I was. Probably they were. The thing that so infuriating is that it wasn’t, and isn’t, necessary except that the powers-that-be profit from that which causes suffering.

I agree. In this month thatI’ve given up wheeat, I’ve seen a major reduction of anxiety and depression, along with reduced mood swings, and kinder internal dialogue. I used to have a very mean internal voice, telling myself that I was fat, lazy, broken, not right, stupid, etc. That’s been replaced with one that’s much more supportive, telling myself that I am beatiful, strong, I feel better, and it’s all going to be fine. I notice that when I eat stuff that raises my blood sugar, that goes out the window, and I can cry without warning because something minor that I’ve done gets blown up in my mind as proof of my unfitness as a human being.

So familiar. Be strong, stick with your program. It IS possible to feel great! My 67th birthday was just a few days ago, and I’m a happy, feeling-good, pain-free, example of gluten-free low carb efficacy.

This makes complete sense to me now – a few years ago I was deep in depression due to binge eating – I never knew how it happened to me as Id always had a healthy relationship with food and had never been overweight. As soon as I moved out of home my diet shifted to a lot of bread, pasta, pizza, cakes etc and the binge eating took hold – I could never get myself ‘full’ and I punished myself for eating so much, but never understood how this happened and how to get over it.
Now, 7 years later Im free of binge eating – its been a long road, let me tell you! I could only really say that the last months have been completely binge free, and these are the months I have been carb free – coincidence, after reading this I dont think so!
The way carbs get you hooked, then make you hungrier and hungrier for more is what I imagine a drug addiction feels like, except scarily, unlike heroin were faced with baguettes, cakes and sandwiches everywhere we turn! No wonder the world is in an obesity/diabetes/unwellness epidemic!
I urge anyone who has had issues with bingeing in the past to get off the carbs – primarily wheat, but also other grains and sugar – trust me, once you go Paleo you’ll never feel like bingeing again as your bosy is getting everything it needs from the diet we were supposed to eat.

thanks for posting this today Dr. Davis!
Although my bulimia has been in remission for the past 10+ years it was a daily struggle before I gave up wheat. I thought that this struggle to binge/purge was something i was going to have to live with the rest of my life. Many times I would be very depressed and wonder what was wrong with me that I had this strong desire to binge and binge. I was saying to my sister the other day, i truly feel that it is only now that I’m not eating wheat that I feel cured. I have my life back ( for the first time since i’ve been 15 years old – now 43 yrs. old) and i will never,ever go back to eating wheat. The daily struggle is gone and i cannot believe that it was wheat that was behind my mental struggles – it almost seems too simple and hard to believe but it’s true. i thank you every day from afar for this gift of a life gained.

I have a sister (age 58) who has struggled with bulimia for almost 30 years and will not give up carbs – it’s a nasty sight to see her near a cheese cake or over-sized muffin.

My 33 year old daughter is recovering from eating disorders/addictions. I am going to ask her (she gave up wheat when I did), what she thinks about the bulimia/wheat connection. Unfortunately she recently went back on wheat when she found out she was pregnant and didn’t have any appetite. Now she is fluctuating between afternoon nausea and raging cravings for junk. Maybe she can get back on the no-wheat rain when she is past the first trimester nausea…

There has been some anecdotal evidence on here that the nausea is caused by wheat, not cured by it. That bit of dried toast recommended for the nausea could be causing it.
Think of it this way, your body when pregnant will do anything to protect the unborn baby, up to and including dragging calcium out of your bones to feed the baby. What is your body going to do when it detects that you have eaten something that is poisoning your baby? You throw up, you feel nauseous. All these feelings are to get rid of or encourage you to avoid a certain food stuff. I bet its the wheat.

I agree. I had two babies, the first I was when I ate wheat almost every meal. I was sick the whole time. The second, I had already gone almost completely wheat free, and was slightly nauseous a few times, but extra extra sick whenever I strayed back to the wheat. I realize every person and every pregnancy is different, but that confirmed in my books that the crackers and toast recommended are actually harmful, not helpful.

Thank you Dr. Davis for posting this. I must hope things will get better for me. I have placed posts on this blog in that past and and am grateful for this resource. I have struggled for 25 years with eating disorders – anorexia and now binge-eating/bulimia (my ‘purge’ is exercise). I have been grain free now for 6 weeks but still struggle – primarily in the evenings. My weight initially went down a few pounds and I felt encouraged but now is back where it was when I began this journey. I agree my moods are better which is a true gift but I also admit I am feeling very discouraged too. I do not know what is habit and what it still diet. Because I have never eaten by hunger I honestly do not know how much I should be eating at breakfast and lunch (or dinner) and what to be eating specifically. I still curse the mirror and though I am only eating vegetables and nuts for carbs, my weight is stable or on the increase. I know wheat is poison, but I long for the freedom and success you all write of. Food is still a curse for me. I just hope someday I will be able to witness in a similiar fashion as you all have above. Thank s and many blessings to you all for your transparency.

You make an important point: While modern wheat lies at the root of the problems for many people, there are other causes, too. So your search may need to lead you farther. But wheat elimination if one thing easily accomplished.

An excellent book to read in order to understand human metabolism and dietary requirements is PROTEIN POWER LIFEPLAN by Dr. Michael and Dr. Mary Dan Eades.
The protein power program enabled me to lose 50 pounds in 12 months, and sticking to restricted carbs normalized my blood pressure, triglycerides, ldl, raised my hdl, and completely changed my relationship with food — and with myself. Please read the book, try the plan for 3 months. If you don’t feel way better I’ll be surprised. It can’t hurt you.

These are great things to read! I have been binge eating for quite some time. My blood sugars have not been good either, and I have a lot more weight to lose. I just gave up carbs, except for non-starchy veggies of course. I have been very fatigued, and quite irritable and downcast. I am looking forward to feeling better being carb free. My blood sugars are already getting better, and I do not eat unless it is below 95mg/dL. The change in diet and fasting between meals until the blood sugar is normal is already working. I also train with double kettlebells, which I know will be a big help with insulin sensitivity. I had to take a 6mo. rest after severely breaking my wrist. The metal plate still does not feel good. Hopefully the morning fasting blood sugar will improve and get to where it once was, and less than 90 or even 85mg/dL is my goal. Thank you Dr. Davis for all the info you have on your blogs, as they have been a great help and I have a better plan! I really don’t want an office visit…yet.

That is my intention: To let people tell their incredible stories of life-changing transformations from a variety of conditions just by saying goodbye to this awful thing called wheat. And the stories never fail to astound.

It is interesting to see other people who have had similar experiences. My situation was driven by extreme binges and purges. I would be unable to stop eating at meal. Then I would feel physically ill, the feeling like my body did not want what I had just put in it, and I would have to purge. Still not satisfied or feeling “good”. I would eat again, this time less, still not good and then horribly guilty for again giving in to overeating and purging. Some days I would go from drive-thru to gas station bathroom and then back to a different drive-thru. I am not thin. I don’t think my eating patterns were ever driven by the need to be thin or fear of being fat. It all revolved around the FEELING in my gut…I wanted to feel calm, and “good”, but no matter what I did or didn’t eat that feeling never happened. (The best I can remember feeling was after a terrible case of the flu when I hadn’t eaten for 4 days…hmmm ironic!). But I never felt in control of my eating or sometimes even conscious of my choices until after I ate and then it was too late. I also experienced many bouts of anxiety and depression, which never responded to medications. (In fact I had adverse reactions to anxiety meds.)

All of this is gone. Since being wheat/gluten free when I eat my “gut” feels calm. My mind feels calm. Now I stop wanting the food before my plate is cleared and I stop eating. Gut still calm. No urge to empty my stomach. I can’t explain it, but it is amazing. I expect I will lose some weight just because I am eating so differently. I can almost see myself healthy and active some time in the future…I never even dreamed that would be possible before.

Some people have such incredible sensitivities to wheat that the benefits of removal can only be described as astounding. How many people live on antidepressants, antianxiety pills, seek out counseling, or just suffer their misery when it’s nothing more than the bagel or muffin that lies at the root of their suffering?

About a month ago I read an article by someone who also suffered from bulimia. She went low carb and gluten free and her desire to binge and purge seemed to disappear.
The more I come across articles like this, the more I am convinced that eating disorders should not be a mental health issue. This thinking has done a great deal of damage to people who are suffering through this.
I used to think, like most everybody else, that eat disorders were a mental issue. Two years ago I did a complete 180 on that thinking.
That was when my cat was diagnosed with diabetes. Two weeks after being on insulin he was diagnosed with anorexia and fatty liver disease. My cat did not stop eating because he wanted to, he physically could not eat. The smell of his favorite foods were enough to make him sick. I didn’t think my cat was suffering through any mental crisis, (other than the stress of taking insulin and stomach pain) I knew it was the insulin he was taking.
This is why I believe that eating disorders are an insulin issue, unfortunately there are no blood tests to show how or why.
It’s also interesting/sad to note that the incidence of type 1 diabetics with eating disorders is on the rise.

In a truly humble attempt to balance out this discussion I think it is possible that some eating disorders could be catagorized as a mental health issue, others the result of dietary confusion (such as wheat), and some a mixture. It does not seem to me that the 21 yr old woman who views herself as fat at 62 pounds and stops eating for weeks on end has an issue with insulin. It is not my intention to point fingers here but rather provide a bit of wisdom from personal experience.

It’s obviously a mulit-faceted issue, that is an issue of mental health and psychology. But I think that with so much emphasis put on this, it is interesting to postulate that the proteins in wheat could alter brain chemistry enough to lead those people with a predisposition to eating disorders down that road? Or maybe that predisposition is from wheat? Or perhaps it’s all from something completely different?!? :-) hmm…so interesting to think about :-)

Yes, Dr. Davis. It seems that if even 1% can be helped it is worth noting! I do not want to come acros as dishonoring or not appreciative of your mission. It is a great thing and I too am thankful. I simply wanted to speak in behalf of those who struggle with mental ilness as a result of childhood trauma, etc. It also seems to me that, even if wheat is not the cause, it may be part of the solution.

Such an interesting perspective on eating disorders, especially as little biological research exists on genes/biological markers to help explain them. Perhaps it’s an area that could/should be explored?

I’ve struggled my entire life with over-eating, binging, and my weight. I’ve only been wheat-free for about 6 weeks (and not even 100%!!) and one of the immediate effects I noticed was the lack of binging and an almost release from the years of guilt & stress I’d suffered with food. Somehow I feel liberated. Quite amazing!!

Before I divorced my first husband, I was depressed, had thoughts of suicide, and was diagnosed with “excess stomach acid” which made me naseous all of the time – especially during meals. I was also suffering from migraines which would cause me to vomit (I didn’t know what they were at the time).

After the divorce, the depression (et al) and excess stomach acid went away, and the migraines were fewer and far between. I honestly thought he was somehow the cause of all of those issues because I felt so much better. This was 11 years ago already, so I have no idea what my eating habits were then. But he was the cook, so it’s quite possible that it was what I was eating that was the problem (which obviously changed after we split). There is no real way of knowing, but reading the effects of wheat on eating disorders, it makes me wonder.

This is an interesting topic! I have struggled with digestive issues all my life. In an attempt to self-heal, I began systematically eliminating entire food groups (dairy, meat, etc.). I never, of course, eliminated wheat… As a result, the anxiety over eating increased and the stomach issues continued. The cycle spiraled out of control until I developed a full-blown eating disorder. I even had a feeding tube surgically inserted in my small intestine for a year! Although I was able to recover on my own, I still had horrible distention, bloating and cramping much of the time and I finally went wheat-free about 2 months ago. The first thing I noticed was that I was COMFORTABLE after eating. I was able to eat more fat and protein which gave me a feeling of satiety, but didn’t trigger any feelings of body-consciousness (because I wasn’t distended after every meal). I still have issues with blood sugar, likely as a result of the stress my body has been under for so long and my inability to absorb certain nutrients, but I have to say I’m not even tempted to return to wheat!
I only wish drs had suggested this much earlier in my life and I had been spared the 15+ years of trial and error (and ensuing hospitalizations)!

Since ceasing to eat wheat, I no longer have gas and diarrhea after meals. It also seems to activate cravings; I notice that when I “cheat” and eat wheat, it unleashes a whole bunch of craving for more wheat, so I have decided it is just easier to not eat the stuff. Also, since ceasing wheat, I have lost about 20 pounds and now am at my ideal weight. If I eat wheat, I can gain up to 3 pounds overnight, amazing but true. Eliminating wheat from my diet has made me a much happier and healthier person.

I have experienced the exact same thing since beginning to eat paleo and eliminating all wheat from my diet! I was wondering if I’d find any reference to anyone else seeing this. I used to eat past the point of comfort and then purge, because it was the only way to get rid of the constant gnawing hunger without being stuck with a horribly full feeling. Of course it would wear off in an hour or two so I would just repeat the process, worst on weekends when I was home all day. Since starting to eat paleo, the cycle has stopped completely. I think it is because my meals of meat, veggies plus some fruits & nuts are wonderfully filling and keep me feeling un-hungry (I wouldn’t say “full” exactly because I’m so used to “full” being “uncomfortably full”). It’s like it’s no longer possible to over-eat on these foods, you just cannot eat so much steak and broccoli that you feel that awful “I MUST purge NOW!!” feeling. Ahhh, freedom. Plus, I lost a few lbs (was not really overweight to begin with) and no longer have to make any effort to stop eating when I’m still hungry in order to not eat too much. I just stop eating when I feel like it, period, and I’m full but not overfull and do not gain an ounce.

I too feel like going wheat free is helping me recover from Bulimia, however it has not resolved the issue that i want to lose weight. In fact since quitting my purgin 8 days ago and going wheat free i”ve gained a kilo which I understand is expectable in the Bulimia recovery, however when will my body start accomodating the wheat free diet as a weight loss tool. I”m only 21 so havent got the health issues at the moment which wheat belly can cure and my main focus is weight loss. PLease , i really need some help because im on the verge of a binge as i”m really frustrated that i”m not losing weight despite giving up all chocolate, sweets and wheat and carbs for 8 days. And I”ve been going to they gym dailly too.
Thanks guys

I have been going to OA(over eaters anonymous) for years and it never clicked. The reason I believe is that it wasn’t something that was going inside my head. I couldn’t get absence because the wheat was in me slowly killing me. I would get depress get such bad heartburn and never once did I connect it to the wheat. It was only when I decided that enough is enough to find out what was wrong. I’ve been 95% wheat free for a month. Today was my 1st day 100% wheat free. Not even a burp! Yes I can see how you would not be bulimia after this. I mean you got your poison out of your system.

I have been diagnosed with “Bulimia” although I don’t do the vomiting bit – I just keep eating!

In the past I have tried to modify my diet by cutting out sugar/grains. Because of the high cost of healthy food (specifically meat) that doesn’t have additives I sort of cheated by eating meat that wasn’t recommended. Each time I found that after about a week of doing well I wasn’t feeling hungry at all. But….the craving for chips was still there and so strong I felt like I was going crazy so I gave in and I couldn’t stop at just a few (I really wasn’t hungry…).

Is it possible that just that tiny amount of additive could cause such disruption in my system?
Is there anything that you can recommend to assist me in conquering this? I have your book on order from my local library so should get it soon. I wish there were some supplement I could take just to get me over this first bit which I’ve been attempting to overcome for years.

I’m one more success story to add to those above who’s been recently delivered from 30 years of intermittent bulimia (diagnosed, counseling, no inpatient treatment) behaviors with the elimination of wheat and sugar and most dairy. I chose to give up wheat/grains and sugar as a dental/cancer/inflammation preventative measure, never dreaming I would be delivered from what I thought was, at this point, a permanent emotionally and neurologically-rooted heath issue. I had given up hope, short of a miracle, that I would be free of this in my life and would have to suffer the consequences of many years of self-abuse – for no known reason. Within days of dropping the afore mentioned foods, It’s been a week, but I have had no desire to medicate myself with my usual mid day onslaught of wheat-based carbs and sugar. I struggled to go one day without behaviors before this. I look forward to seeing where this goes, finally feel “normal” and have my life back. I owe this to the inspiration in Dr. Davis’ book. Now if we can only the American Academy of Dietetics (registered dietitians) to speak from this platform to cure those out there that can use this as an option. Thank you – Thank you.

Dr. Davis…
Let me say your book has been the only thing that has ever helped to eliminate my bulemic nightmare. I have been battling this addiction for almost 30 years. I have been hospitalized and poked, analyzed, medicated and probed with no relief. I never dreamed that after 1 week of eliminating both wheat and sugar, I am on a path to a much prayed for recovery. I figured my disease would kill me in a few years, but now I have hope. InterestIngly, some of the therapists and nutritionists I have consulted have mentioned that there are “radical” philosophies in eating disorder treatment that preach no wheat, but that “we don’t advocate them.” How crazy is that! They must have ties to wheat farmers! I just had to tell someone about my overnight success and how grateful I am to the Wheatbelly book. I was a raging bulemic…it controlled my entire existence.
Thanks.

I am so glad to have found this site! I have suffered from what was diagnosed as atypical bulimia (binging and starving) with enourmous amounts of will power and effort to stop it. But recently, i have been researching gluten intolerance (for the past few months) and have tried to stay off gluten as much as I can. I now know my symptoms are not simply in the psychology of the eatig disorder alone but are triggered by gluten and sugar! When I am off gluten I notice a HUGE difference in my attitude and cravings towards food. I can have small amounts of gluten free treats and feel totally satisfied but when I start eating gluten again i will soon feel overwhelming compulsions to eat, depression, become hugely oversensitive, bloated, foggy, tired and be binge binge binging. My cravings and binge food is always glutenous which only makes it worse – ive read we crave most what we are allergic to. I should have looked into it sooner because my grandpa, uncle and brother are all severly non-coeliac gluten intolerant! I feel so much better off gluten but I keep doubting myself and thinking its all in my head. But I have finally come to accept it is true, it is not in my head. For whatever reason being off gluten makes me feel a million times better! I do know there are definitely some psycological aspects to my eatig disorder but my theory is this developed because of the binges I had as a result of the gluten! For anyone who is struggling with accepting that they might have a gluten intolerance I recommend just going for it and trust your gut! Gluten is in fact changing agriculturally and becoming more and more poisonous anyway. Try it out and see if it makes a difference to you. I would love to see more research done in this area because I think it could be a rapidly spreading problem if we don’t address how much gluten (poison) our society eats.

I’m another success story. For years, I would eat something with gluten, particularly bread and cereals and would immediately feel sick. I would then have an urge to binge on bread or anything known to contain large amounts of gluten. After binging, I vomited. This went on for a long time. My mom couldn’t figure out what was going on as my hair began falling out and I became very upset with my thin image. I didn’t have a desire to be so thin, but it just happened. After finding a few blogs I got rid of gluten and wheat in my diet. I have not had an urge, with the exception of a few bumps, accidentally eating gluten, along the way. My life has changed forever as a gluten free person!

I have been off wheat for 6 days now and have noticed a remarkable difference in my moods. I no longer feel depressed or hopeless. I have struggled with eating disorder thoughts and behaviors on and off for 18 years and finally see a connection with wheat products. I am excited to continue my journey . I no longer feel anxious of obsessive about eating snack foods and my stomach doesn’t feel overly full anymore. I hope this is not all in my head.

Since I was a teenager, I’ve been semi-regularly (ever couple of months) binging and purging. Not enough that I lost weight and, I’ve never been diagnosed or had treatment for it. In fact, I’ve never told anyone, until now. After reading wheat belly, I have been gluten free now for almost three months, and in addition to the dramatic differences I’ve seen with my periods (diagnosed with a fibroid, but had two weeks of severe cramping before period, breakthrough bleeding mid-cycle, horrific cramps during menses), I also realized that not once have I wanted to binge and purge. I was curious if there was a connection, and google led me to this blog. Thank you Dr. Davis. Your book was able to fix what no Drs. at my prestigious Ivy League school, where I was enrolled for my PhD program, could fix and whose counsel I sought repeatedly. I’m writing them emails to let them know of the differences, in the hopes that they’ll be open to the idea of further study.